“A.J. has the potential to be as good as any quarterback we’ve ever had here,” coach Rob Perpall said. “He’s a good athlete. He’s the real deal.”

He’ll hand off to running back Danny Roell, who ran for 1,953 yards last year, according to stats reported to Newsday. He was the fourth-leading rusher on Long Island.

The offensive line is almost entirely new, with the exception of senior James Poole. While the players surrounding Poole won’t have last year’s final moments seared into their memories, Poole will be sure his teammates know how close they came.

“The last two years we came up just short,” Poole said. “We’re looking to work hard during the summer and throughout the season and trying to get that championship.”

Poole said he liked what he’s seen so far this preseason from his new linemates.